A retiree, Lochearnhead Sex Offender Alexander Bell, who proposed to instruct a schoolgirl in driving thereafter sexually abused her while she was operating the vehicle has been sentenced to eight months in prison.
Alexander Bell, 69, presented his 17-year-old driving student with a box containing a sexual device.
The Stirling Sheriff Court was informed that his conduct caused the girl to weep profusely, and subsequent to her disclosure to school personnel, law enforcement was alerted.
The court was informed that a criminal justice social work assessment indicated Alexander Bell possessed “no insight or understanding” of the wrongfulness of his actions.
Prosecutor Amy Clyne stated that the occurrences transpired in January of this year when the teenager was receiving driving instruction from Alexander Bell.
It is understood this was a private arrangement.
Miss Clyne said during one lesson, Alexander Bell repeatedly touched the girl on the leg to get her to slow down.
Miss Clyne said this was unwanted attention, and Alexander Bell was asked to stop, but he did it again even when she had reduced her speed.
Alexander Bell later made remarks to the girl about her sexual experience and spoke to her about getting her a vibrator.
Miss Clyne said: “She felt disgusted at the conversation. It was talk she did not want to have and she was very upset from it and she began to cry.”
At a further lesson a short time later in her mum’s car, Alexander Bell told the “embarrassed” teenager, “Remember I said I’d get you a vibrator toy”. He then pulled a package containing the adult item from his pocket, and handed it to her saying, “Remember, don’t tell your mum.”
The girl disclosed what had happened to staff at her school, and police were notified.
Her mother found out what Alexander Bell had done, and messaged him, “What’s going on in your head?”
Alexander Bell was arrested and told cops, “I don’t know what you’re on about.”
Alexander Bell, retired, of Lochearnhead, Perthshire, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the girl and directing sexual communications towards her, in Forth Valley between January 1 and 21, 20024.
Solicitor Kelly Howe, defending, said: “His position, for what it’s worth, is that he has misread the appropriateness of having such discussions with her.”
Imposing the eight-month jail term, and placing Alexander Bell on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, Sheriff Keith O’Mahony told him: “You engaged in behaviour towards a 17-year-old girl which was entirely inappropriate.
“It seems to me you have no insight into that offending behaviour.”
He pointed out that the social background report said that the fact Alexander Bell did not appear to consider his actions were inappropriate, and was “dismissive” of the suggestion she would have been distressed by his behaviour.
Sheriff O’Mahony said: “Those are, in my view, appalling aggravations.”
Alexander Bell showed no emotion as he was handcuffed to a security guard and led to the cells.
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